Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) Abroad

Medipol Mega Hospital Complex is a modern medical facility with four specialist hospitals and an extensive selection of high caliber medical devices available for use. The hospital provides treatments in a wide variety of medical fields in its 470 bed facility.

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Quirón has an internationally prestigious medical staff, the largest in the sector, and is also the principal hospital network in terms of patient numbers and care facility area. The group administers 38 healthcare centers, more than 2,864 hospital beds and 7,500 associate doctors.

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Xanit Hospital Internacional is a modern private hospital located in the suburbs of Malaga, Spain. The hospital is modern (opened in 2005), and the staff include over 200 specialists in all medical specialties.

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HYGEIA Hospital is the first large private hospital to operate in Greece and has been a leading healthcare provider for the last 35 years. It is the first and only hospital in Greece to be accredited by the JCI.

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The Ruber International Hospital is designed as a "whole hospital". thus achieving maximum efficiency in the organization and development of the various medical, welfare, educational and research activities.

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Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai offers world class and advanced facilities and services in Chennai, Tamil Nadu and international patients. This 2000-bedded facility which is Halal and NABH certified, is one of India's top healthcare destination.

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Urology centers abroad (Page 1 of 3)

About Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

This information is intended for general information only and should not be considered as medical advice on the part of Health-Tourism.com. Any decision on medical treatments, after-care or recovery should be done solely upon proper consultation and advice of a qualified physician.

What is Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PNL)?

This is the preferred procedure for removing large kidney stones. The operative technique has had constant evolution leading to increased success rates and decreased complications, since its introduction in 1976. This invasive procedure involves entering the kidney through anincision (up to about 1cm) from the back. A nephroscope (a small fiber optic camera) and other miniature instruments are threaded in through the hole.

Advantages of the procedure

It’s the most effective technique for making sure a patient is stone-free.

It is a better option to a full-scale invasive surgery to treat the kidney

Allows for removal of large renal stones without undergoing major surgery

Has a shorter recovery period when compared to the traditional open surgery

Preparation required prior to the surger

Detailed imaging – enables the surgeon to assess the stone in fine detail hence enabling the surgeon to choose the best access point to facilitate removal of the stones.

No eating or drinking - You should have nothing to eat or drink six hours prior to the surgery as this interferes with the general anesthesia.

Mid-stream urine test - required to ensure sterility of the kidney before treatment is undertaken.

Risk factors

Even minimally invasive surgical procedures like the percutaneous nephrolithotomy carry risks. This type of surgery is of low risk if performed by a surgeon trained in the technique. The specific risks of the percutaneous nephrolithotomy are uncommon but include:

Excessive bleeding

Renal exploration

Infection of the wound

Collecting system perforation

Urinary tract sepsis

Adjacent organ injuries such as colon and bladders

Urinary leak that persists for days

Death

What happens in the operating room?

The operation is performed under a general anesthetic and lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours.

The patient is positioned lying on their stomachs for the whole duration of the surgery

An x-ray imager is used to assist in the surgery to assist in the guidance of the entry tube into the kidney that provides access to the kidney to allow visualization, manipulation, fragmentation and removal of the stones.

A nephrostomy tube which exits through the skin is left in the kidney at the end of the procedure.

Duration of procedure/surgery : 2 to 3 hours

Recovery : You will be required to rest during the recovery period that will span several weeks. Oral antibiotics will be given for a further five days to prevent infection. You should follow up with the doctor after approximately six weeks. A urinary stent will be left occasionally to ensure the urine drains correctly into the bladder

After care : The procedure requires general anesthesia and the patient will be hospitalized for two to three days. The length and time of surgery and recovery will depend on the position of the stone. The following are what to expect after the surgery: Hospitalized for at least two days after the procedure, A nephrostomy tube will be attached to you which will usually be removed before departing from the hospital, A urinary catheter might be attached to you for draining your bladder for the first 24 hours. You may be fitted with a ureteral stent that optimizes drainage of urine from the kidney and speeds the healing process. This is usually removed within 2-4 weeks after surgery in the hospital. Bloodstained urine lasting a week after discharge. Imaging will be performed after the surgery to ensure all the renal stones were completely removed by the surgery.
Minimal discomfort from the wound